What Can I Do About Sensitive Teeth

Have you ever experienced pain or funny tingling in your teeth? Has this occurred while eating sweets or very hot or cold foods? If, this has taken place you may have sensitive teeth.

Something that often adds to the frustration on sensitive teeth is the fact that the pain experienced is not consistent in many cases. Undergoing persistent pain could be a sign of more severe problems. Having a discussion of your symptoms with your dentist is important if you are dealing with sensitive teeth. Your dentist will very likely be able to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

In healthy teeth, porous tissue called dentin is protected by your gums and by your teeth's hard enamel shell. Microscopic holes in the dentin, called tubules, connect the nerves, triggering pain when irritated by certain foods and beverages.

How can my dentin be exposed?

1 Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard - Van B. Hayward, DMD, professor in the department of oral rehabilitation in the School of Dentistry at the Medical College of Georgia, says aggressive toothbrushing and consumption of acidic substances can wear down the enamel on teeth and also affect the gums.

2. Gum disease - As gums move away from a tooth due to disorders such as periodontal disease, the root surface becomes unprotected

3. Fractured or chipped teeth - Chipped or broken teeth may fill with bacteria from plaque and come into the pulp instigating inflammation

4. Clenching of grinding your teeth - grinding or clenching your teeth may wear down the enamel and uncover underlying dentin

5. Erosion due to the aging process - Tooth sensitivity is highest between the ages of 25 and 30

6. Acidic foods - Consistent consumption of foods with a high acid content, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles and tea, can cause enamel erosion

Is There Anything I Can Do To Help My Sensitive Teeth?

Yes, there are a few areas to consider if you have to cope with sensitive teeth. One of the first is to maintain good oral hygiene. Do not stop brushing and flossing. Your brushing techniques may need to be changed and perhaps look into a different type of toothbrush. Additionally, become more watchful of what you eat and drink. Frequent consumption of highly acid foods can progressively dissolve tooth enamel and lead to dentin exposure. These foods could aggravate the sensitivity and initiate the pain reaction. If possible, avoid teeth your teeth. This condition can be eased with the use of a mouth guard at night. See your dentist at regular intervals. It pays to maintain your regular dental check-ups. Go ahead schedule your tooth cleaning appointment, especially if you have not seen your dentist in over six months. Can My Tooth Sensitivity Be Treated?

During your consultation and check-up with your dentist you may be advised to follow some of these treatments which can assist to relieve the symptom of sensitive teeth:

1. A soft bristle toothbrush or powered brush

2. A fluoride rinse or gel for sensitive teeth prescribed by our practice or your family dentist

3. A desensitizing toothpaste

Receiving a complete diagnosis will require a visit to your dental professional. Caring for your oral health includes more than regular visits to the dentist, maintaining good dental hygiene habits are essential to achieving and maintaining your oral health.

Dr. John E. Robinson, DMD enjoys developing individualized care plans and related tips for his patients to aid in maintaining their overall dental health. Our practice offers the some of the most state-of-the-art advancements in assisting our patients healthy teeth and smile.

The Embry Hills Dental Care family would be pleased to discuss your dental concerns and offer the necessary information to help you and your family make educated decisions regarding your dental health.

Article References

http://embryhillsdentalcare.blogspot.com/2012/01/is-power-toothbrush-right-for-you.html

http://www.webmd.com

Assessing the efficacy of three dentifrices in the treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity. - J Am Dent Assoc. 1996 Feb

http://chealth.canoe.ca/channel_section_details.asp?text_id=5580&channel_id=1029&relation_id=87386

Gum Disease - The Effect On Your Health

Periodontal diseases may be isolated to your mouth; however, their effects are not. Maybe you have seen the white papers or other posts on the web speaking to the research coming forth on the relationship between periodontal health and general health. Adding credence to the adage, “You are what you eat.” There are known risk factors for periodontal disease; these include smoking and diabetes. Also as we age periodontal disease can become a dental health issue. Periodontal disease and tooth decay are the leading causes of tooth loss in older adults (1).

Periodontal disease is commonly referred to as gum disease. This is a group of diseases caused by bacterial plaque. This bacteria gathers daily between our teeth and gums. In the absence of effective daily oral hygiene, it will in quick order affect your dental health. In many instances, cases of bad breath (halitosis) are caused by the presence of the aforementioned oral bacteria. As a dentist, I can say first hand, the odor coming from the mouth of a patient with active gum disease is often so distinctive that I can correctly expect the presence of gum problems even before I begin their examination.

The bacteria left untreated will collect between teeth and gums. A daily routine to help combat these bacteria can be as simple as maintain your brushing and flossing. Your periodontal tissues are comprised of four defined structures: (1) gingiva, (2) cementum, (3) alveolar bone, and the (4) periodontal ligament. If the choice is made not to have good oral hygiene, you have an excellent chance of developing gingivitis.

In cases where plaque and tartar stay on teeth, eventually gingiva will become irritated. This will lead to gums becoming swollen, and they will bleed easily.

Research continues to show that Gingivitis can affect other areas of the body and thus health if left untreated. Remember, we started talking about the fact of gum disease originating from bacteria. It should be no surprise that bacteria is not a good thing for our bodies. If the bacterium enter into the bloodstream through our mouth, it can cause infections in other areas of our bodies. Other posts have discussed how gum disease has been connected to cardio vascular disease and pneumonia. When individuals who have gingivitis and diabetes, they can have problems controlling their blood sugar levels.

Taking note of the relationship between oral and general health will hopefully encourage you to schedule regular visits with your physician and dentist.

If you have any questions about gum disease, general dental needs or even cosmetic procedures, please call John Robinson, DMD, at Embry Hills Dental Care 678-383-2622.


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References
(1) APA: Older Adults and Gum Disease. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.perio.org/consumer/smileforlife.htm